Actor Kenneth Branagh made his directorial debut with a rousing screen adaptation of William Shakespeare's Henry V. Four years later, he returns to the bard's work with this lively version of one of Shakespeare's best comedies.… MoreActor Kenneth Branagh made his directorial debut with a rousing screen adaptation of William Shakespeare's Henry V. Four years later, he returns to the bard's work with this lively version of one of Shakespeare's best comedies. Don Pedro (Denzel Washington), the Prince of Aragon, returns victorious from battle to the praises of the Governor of Messina, Leonato (Richard Briers). One of Don Pedro's bravest men, Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard), falls in love with Hero (Kate Beckinsale), Leonato's daughter, and they plan to marry. However, Don Pedro's devious half-brother Don John (Keanu Reeves) opposes the match, and he devises a plan to turn Hero against Claudio. Meanwhile, Benedict (Branagh), Don Pedro's second-in-command, detests Leonato's niece Beatrice (Emma Thompson), but Don Pedro cleverly brings them together by making each think that the other is secretly in love with them. Much Ado About Nothing also features Michael Keaton in a showy turn as Dogberry. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

[Branagh] has found his way to the play's profound yet populist heart, rediscovering Shakespeare's vision of romantic fulfillment - celebration with an underlying tug of sadness - for an era that believes itself all too wise to the ways of love.

See this instead. The definitive version, the one where Thompson and Branagh sparkle with so much chemistry ... you know how when you hear a really good singer… MoreSee this instead. The definitive version, the one where Thompson and Branagh sparkle with so much chemistry ... you know how when you hear a really good singer you like it so much you actually for a minute think you can sing too? Well, its like that kinda sparkle. And wit (that's Shakespeare's). And maybe the only film to make the Bard 100% comprehensible w/o having yer unemployed English Lit major friends 'splainin' every other line to you. And I think Micheal Keaton's great in this.

Wildaly M

Branagh and Thompson carry the film and shine in their roles.

Conner Rainwater

I don't know what Keanu Reeves and Denzel Washington were doing in this movie, but they stuck out like sore thumbs. It's a "good" adaption,… MoreI don't know what Keanu Reeves and Denzel Washington were doing in this movie, but they stuck out like sore thumbs. It's a "good" adaption, but certainly not special. When I think of the 60's Romeo and Juliet, that was memorable and a classic. This, not so much.

Jennifer Xu

funny funny funny and emma thompson is GRREAT. plus, PATRICK DOYLE!

Al S

A total blast, it's an utterly delightful and wonderfully cheerful romantic-comedy that you will just fall in love with. A masterpiece. Director, Kenneth… MoreA total blast, it's an utterly delightful and wonderfully cheerful romantic-comedy that you will just fall in love with. A masterpiece. Director, Kenneth Branagh proves he is a true master of the interpretation of Shakespeare's work and has a wonderful all-star cast to back it up. It's extremely entertaining and tremendously enjoyable. The battle of the sexes has never been this much fun. Kenneth Branagh, Denzel Washington, Robert Sean Leonard, Michael Keaton, Kate Beckinsale, Emma Thompson and Keanu Reeves have sensational chemistry, they show great love and passion to the material and their characters, showing they are having a blast. Branagh and Thompson are excellent. Washington is magnificent. Leonard and Beckinsale are a revelation. Keaton is hilarious. A hilarious and heartfelt movie. A true classic. Shakespeare has never been this much fun. A real gem.

Jens S.

A wonderfully old-fashioned adaptation of one of William Shakespeare's comedies with a stellar cast. While it is hard to pick out someone, Michael Keaton… MoreA wonderfully old-fashioned adaptation of one of William Shakespeare's comedies with a stellar cast. While it is hard to pick out someone, Michael Keaton is particularly awesome as confused constable. Of course drama, complications and evil plots ensue, but of course, since this is a comedy, justice will be done. In the ending it's all just singing, all dancing to Patrick Doyle's beautiful melodies. It shows that everyone had a lot of fun creating this in the gorgeous Tuscany landscape and that's infectious for an audience who can appreciate the old-fashioned dialogs and acting. Beautiful.

Anthony Lawrie

Great cast but it?s very far from being my cup of tea!

Cindy I

I really enjoyed this. Kenneth Branagh has always been good at bringing Shakespeare to the great unwashed masses, making it undertandable and entertaining. But… MoreI really enjoyed this. Kenneth Branagh has always been good at bringing Shakespeare to the great unwashed masses, making it undertandable and entertaining. But it could have been better. What was KB smokin' when he decided casting Keanu Reeves was a good idea? Reeves is so bad in this that he distracted me from the other actors. Stick to hanging out with Bill and Morpheus, dude. The Bard is not your cup of tea.

Christian C

Really a good, heart-warming story. As usual, Keanu Reeves is awful. If you can't do an English accent, don't try! Thankfully, Keanu's role is… MoreReally a good, heart-warming story. As usual, Keanu Reeves is awful. If you can't do an English accent, don't try! Thankfully, Keanu's role is minimal.

Spencer S.

The love hate of Beatrice and Benedict was my favorite part, coupled with the enigmatic Denzel Washington.